Outcry Against Klan Kosova: Reality TV Normalizing Domestic Violence

 

 The National Coordinator for protection against domestic violence and the Interministerial Group Against Family, Gender-Based, and Women’s Violence have issued a strong statement against Klan Kosova's decision to allow an individual accused of domestic violence to participate in its "Big Brother" reality show. This person, Atilla Kardesh, had an active restraining order until September 2024 due to a history of domestic violence against his former wife, Drenusha Latifi. His inclusion in a high-profile televised setting, especially alongside his survivor, is seen as a grave misjudgment that risks normalizing and minimizing the gravity of domestic violence within society.

An Urgent Call for Action

The Interministerial Group is urging swift action to address this decision by Klan Kosova:

1. Immediate Removal of Atilla Kardesh from "Big Brother" to avoid further distress to Ms. Latifi, who is a survivor of his abuse.
2. Accountability from the Independent Media Commission to review and address Klan Kosova's controversial decision.
3. Thorough Content Evaluation of programming in Kosovo to ensure responsible gender-sensitive reporting, prevent the re-victimization of survivors, and reduce psychological harm to abuse victims.

The Istanbul Convention and Kosovo’s Legal Obligations

Through its constitutional amendments, Kosovo has made the Istanbul Convention an integral part of its legal framework. Under Article 12 of the Convention, authorities are mandated to undertake measures to prevent all forms of violence covered by the Convention. Article 13 emphasizes public awareness to help prevent violence, a principle that Klan Kosova’s decision clearly undermines.

Revictimization in the Public Sphere

Ms. Latifi is not only a survivor but also a mother of two, whose well-being and dignity must be prioritized. Being placed in a shared environment with her alleged abuser, in a televised format, subjects her to potential re-traumatization, emotional harm, and psychological abuse. This scenario also risks exposing her children to further trauma, as they might witness, indirectly, a volatile relationship dynamic broadcast to the public.

Media Responsibility in Society

The role of media in shaping public perception and societal norms is vital, particularly in issues related to gender-based violence. The Istanbul Convention's Article 17 encourages media responsibility to prevent violence against women and to uphold their dignity. By making such a questionable programming decision, Klan Kosova potentially positions the audience as unwitting witnesses to psychological coercion and revictimization—a dangerous precedent.

A Call for Klan Kosova to Rethink Their Programming

Klan Kosova is encouraged to immediately remove Atilla Kardesh from its "Big Brother" format, recognizing the severe psychological impact such content may have not only on Ms. Latifi but also on the general audience. This decision is crucial to prevent any form of victim-blaming or normalization of abusive behaviors, which risks fueling stigmatizing public discourse and hate speech, thereby undermining survivors’ rights to dignity and safety.

Conclusion: Upholding Dignity and Preventing Violence

The media is a powerful ally in the fight against domestic violence, with the potential to empower women and promote safe and non-discriminatory environments. Klan Kosova’s decision undermines this potential, as it may inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of harmful narratives. Taking Atilla Kardesh off the air is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative to support survivors, respect their journey towards recovery, and protect their dignity in all public spheres.